[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 88 (Thursday, June 27, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1165]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING RUFINA A. HERNANDEZ, ESQ.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 26, 2002

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the splendid 
efforts and notable accomplishments of an extraordinary woman in the 
1st Congressional District of Colorado. It is both fitting and proper 
that we recognize this outstanding community leader for her exceptional 
record of civic leadership and invaluable service. It is to commend 
this outstanding citizen that I rise to honor Rufina A. Hernandez, Esq.
  Ms. Hernandez has amassed a distinguished record of leadership and 
service to our community. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in 
Political Science from the University of New Mexico and her Juris 
Doctorate from the Georgetown University Law Center. Ms. Hernandez 
practiced law for eight years at the Legal Aid Society of Denver 
specializing in Family Law, Public Utility Regulation and Consumer 
Protection. She served as the Executive Director of the State Bar of 
New Mexico and was previously the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at 
the University of Denver College of Law.
  Presently, Ms. Hernandez is the Executive Director of the Latin 
American Research and Service Agency (LARASA), a preeminent community 
based non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health, 
education and self sufficiency of Colorado's Latino community. Under 
her leadership, LARASA has made a tremendous impact on our city and 
state by increasing awareness about issues affecting the Latino 
community and developing effective public policies and programs to 
address those issues. Ms. Hernandez has been a powerful advocate for 
change. Through her leadership, LARASA continues to bring tangible 
benefits to our community through the Center for Community and 
Behavioral Health, Centro de la Familia--the Latino Public Policy 
Center, the Data Resource Center and through the Proyecto Educar and 
Amigos de la Communidad programs that increase cultural competency and 
Latino involvement in our schools.
  Ms. Hernandez serves on the National Center for Law and Education 
Board of Directors, the Women's Lobby Board, the Colorado Association 
of Non Profit Organizations, the Child Health Advocates Board of 
Directors and the Governor's Utility Consumer Advisory Board. She co-
chairs the Latino Jewish Coalition and the Latino Campaign for 
Education and also serves on the Mayor's Latino Advisory Council.
  It comes as no surprise that Ms. Hernandez' commitment and service 
has earned her several awards including the American Jewish Committee 
Professional Award, the National Council of LARASA Special Advocacy 
Award, the American Jurisprudence Award for Academic Achievement, and 
the University of Denver Outstanding Staff Award.
  While we are saddened that Ms. Hernandez will be leaving our 
community for a position with the National Education Association, I am 
confident that her leadership, skill and experience will be of great 
benefit to the cause of public education in our country.
  Please join me in commending Rufina Herandez, Esq. It is the strong 
leadership she exhibits on a daily basis that continually enhances our 
lives and builds a better future for all Americans.

                          ____________________